2010 Election Environmental Proposition Results

Proposition 21 Fails to Pass
CESP would like to extend its gratitude to everyone who came out in support of our State Parks and voted Yes for Prop 21 on Tuesday. The measure's defeat means that our State Parks need your support more than ever. The parks will continue to be underfunded, resulting in reduced park hours, dwindling ranger patrols, and a steadily increasing repair backlog. Thank you again for your support for Prop 21 and for your ongoing support of California's state parks.

Proposition 23 Fails to Pass
Californians successfully voted down Proposition 23, ensuring California's place amongst the frontrunners of the green technology movement. The proposition, which was financially supported by Texas oil companies, would have suspended the implementation of AB32, California's crucial climate change law. AB32 will ensure that we reverse the trend of increasing greenhouse gas emissions by mandating a return to a 1990 level of emissions statewide by 2020. The environment thanks you for voting NO on Prop 23.

Proposition 25 Passes
The passage of California Proposition 25 will facilitate the process by which the legislature passes the state budget. Changing the requirement to pass the budget from a 2/3 majority to a simple majority will help the legislature pass the budget before the fiscal year begins. Proposition 25 will also hold members of the state legislature accountable if they fail to deliver the budget on time by withholding pay for every day past the deadline.

Proposition 26 Passes
In an unfortunate defeat for environmental proponents Proposition 26 passed, reclassifying various fees as taxes, which under California law require a 2/3 majority to pass. The gridlock in the state legislature will result in the loss of funding for many environmental programs which received money from these fees. The defeat of Prop 23 was a victory against the influence of big oil companies, we must continue the fight to hold oil companies accountable for the damage they do to the environment.

November 2nd was a great day for the environment. Though our defeats in propositions 21&26 are unfortunate, the preservation of AB32 is a crucial victory that all environmentalists can take pride in. Prop 23 has ensured that California remains poised on the leading edge of green technology as well as the nationwide push to lower greenhouse gas emissions. We look forward to working with the office of newly elected Governor Jerry Brown to mitigate some of the damage done to the environmental effort in the defeat of Prop 21.

Thank you again for voting for the environment on Nov. 2nd and please continue to support your local and regional parks.

To see how the votes fell throughout the state: http://www.sacbee.com/2010/11/02/3058398/interactive-map-election-results.html